Oklahoma Takes Game 1 of College World Series Finals Behind LaChance's Two-Home Run Performance

OMAHA, Neb. — Oklahoma completed one of the most remarkable postseason runs in recent college baseball history Monday night, defeating North Carolina 13–2 in the decisive third game of the Men’s College World Series Finals at Charles Schwab Field. The Sooners captured their third national championship and first since 1994, finishing an improbable run through the NCAA Tournament with a dominant performance on college baseball’s biggest stage. The victory improved Oklahoma to 43–23 and secured the program’s third national title, joining championship teams from 1951 and 1994. North Carolina concluded its outstanding season at 54–14–1, falling one win short of capturing its first national championship. Sooners Take Control Early For the third consecutive game in the championship series, Oklahoma scored first. The Sooners broke through in the second inning when Kyle Branch lined an RBI single to right field, scoring Dasan Harris. Later in the inning, a wild pitch allowed Dayton Tockey to cross home plate and extend the lead to 2–0. Oklahoma added another run in the third inning after Jaxon Willits doubled down the left-field line and later scored on an RBI single by Brendan Brock, pushing the advantage to 3–0. The early offensive pressure immediately placed North Carolina on its heels. Tar Heels Briefly Respond North Carolina generated its first scoring opportunity in the bottom of the third inning. Jake Schaffner singled and Owen Hull drew a walk before Gavin Gallaher delivered an RBI single up the middle, scoring Schaffner and cutting the deficit to 3–1. The hit marked Gallaher’s 10th RBI of the College World Series. The Tar Heels appeared poised to build further momentum, but Oklahoma reliever LJ Mercurius entered and escaped the inning without allowing additional damage. That sequence proved to be one of the game's turning points. Fourth Inning Breaks the Game Open The decisive stretch came in the fourth inning. North Carolina reliever Walker McDuffie issued consecutive walks before freshman standout Caden Glauber entered in relief. Glauber, who had helped the Tar Heels compile a remarkable 29–0 record in games he appeared, struggled with his command. After a bases-loaded walk to Deiten Lachance forced in a run, Willits delivered a two-run single to right field, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 6–1. The three-run inning provided the Sooners with complete control and ended North Carolina’s undefeated streak in games featuring Glauber. Mercurius Dominates in Relief One of the most important performances of the championship game came from Oklahoma’s bullpen. Mercurius entered with one out in the third inning and delivered 5.2 outstanding innings of relief. The junior right-hander allowed just one run while scattering four hits and striking out five batters. His ability to neutralize North Carolina’s offense prevented the Tar Heels from mounting any sustained comeback effort. Mercurius earned the victory and became one of the key figures in Oklahoma’s championship run. Branch Delivers Career Night Sophomore second baseman Kyle Branch authored the best game of his collegiate career. Branch finished 3-for-4 with a home run and a career-high six RBIs. He drove in Oklahoma’s first run of the game and continued producing throughout the evening. In the eighth inning, Branch delivered the exclamation point by launching a three-run home run to left field, extending the lead and effectively ending any hopes of a North Carolina comeback. His six RBIs tied one of the highest totals ever recorded in a College World Series championship game. Willits Earns Most Outstanding Player Honors While Branch supplied the power, Jaxon Willits continued his incredible postseason performance. The Oklahoma shortstop went 3-for-4 with a double, two walks, and two RBIs while reaching base five times. He finished the College World Series with a school-record 13 hits and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Willits batted .500 during Omaha play and served as one of the catalysts behind Oklahoma’s offensive success. His consistency throughout the postseason made him one of the most valuable players in the country during the tournament. Tockey Adds More Power The Sooners continued their postseason power surge in the fifth inning. Tockey crushed a solo home run to right field, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 7–1. The blast marked his sixth home run of the NCAA Tournament after hitting only three during the regular season. Oklahoma’s ability to generate home-run power throughout the postseason became one of the defining characteristics of its championship run. The Sooners finished the season with 95 home runs, their highest total since 2010. North Carolina Unable to Recover The Tar Heels struggled to generate offense after Gallaher’s third-inning RBI. North Carolina managed only two runs despite entering the championship series with one of the nation’s most productive lineups. The Sooners’ pitching staff consistently worked ahead in counts and limited opportunities with runners in scoring position. North Carolina’s only additional run came in the seventh inning, but Mercurius quickly extinguished the threat and preserved Oklahoma’s comfortable advantage. The loss prevented the Tar Heels from securing the program’s first national championship despite one of the best seasons in school history. Oklahoma Completes Historic Run The championship capped one of the most impressive NCAA Tournament runs in recent memory. After finishing 11th during SEC regular-season play, Oklahoma defeated a gauntlet of elite opponents, including national seeds Georgia Tech, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. The Sooners knocked off five national seeds during their championship journey and relied on a combination of freshman pitching and explosive offense. Over the course of the NCAA Tournament, Oklahoma scored 118 runs and hit a remarkable number of home runs while steadily building momentum toward Omaha. The title also marked head coach Skip Johnson’s first national championship and Oklahoma’s first since winning it all in 1994. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 13–2 victory over North Carolina was the perfect ending to a remarkable postseason run. The Sooners combined timely hitting, dominant relief pitching, and relentless offensive pressure to capture the 2026 national championship. Kyle Branch’s six-RBI performance, Jaxon Willits’ Most Outstanding Player campaign, and LJ Mercurius’ shutdown relief outing highlighted a complete team effort. With the victory, Oklahoma secured its third national championship and completed one of the most memorable College World Series runs in program history.

OMAHA, Neb. — Oklahoma continued its remarkable postseason surge Wednesday night, defeating No. 3 Georgia 11–4 in the College World Series semifinals at Charles Schwab Field. Powered by five home runs and another dominant freshman pitching performance, the Sooners advanced to the College World Series championship series and moved within two wins of a national title. The victory improved Oklahoma to 41–22 and extended its winning streak to eight games. Georgia finished a historic season at 53–14 after setting a school record for victories and reaching Omaha for the first time since 2008. Sooners Strike First Oklahoma once again established momentum early. Jason Walk broke a scoreless tie in the third inning with a towering solo home run to dead center field, giving the Sooners a 1–0 lead. The blast extended Walk’s hitting streak and continued his outstanding postseason run from the leadoff spot. The Sooners added to the lead in the fourth inning when Trey Gambill launched a solo home run into the Oklahoma bullpen. Moments later, Brendan Brock singled and Dasan Harris followed with a two-run blast to right-center field, extending Oklahoma’s advantage to 4–0. The offensive outburst immediately placed pressure on Georgia and chased starter Paul Farley from the game. Freshman Wesloski Delivers Again Oklahoma continued its trend of relying on freshman pitchers in Omaha. Nick Wesloski made just his second start of the season and delivered another impressive outing. The freshman right-hander worked 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and three runs, though only one was earned. He struck out four batters and consistently limited Georgia’s opportunities to build momentum. Wesloski joined Cord Rager and Xander Mercurius as the third consecutive freshman starter for Oklahoma during the College World Series. The trio combined to allow only a handful of earned runs across three starts, giving the Sooners one of the most surprising pitching stories of the tournament. Georgia Tries to Climb Back The Bulldogs battled throughout the middle innings. In the fifth inning, senior shortstop Kolby Branch doubled and later scored on a base hit from Ryan Black, cutting the deficit to 4–1. Georgia created another opportunity in the sixth when it loaded the bases against reliever LJ Mercurius. Back-to-back bases-loaded walks to Branch and Black trimmed Oklahoma’s lead to 5–3 and briefly brought the Bulldogs back into contention. However, Mercurius escaped further damage by inducing a key defensive play to end the threat. That sequence proved to be one of the most important moments of the game. Harris and Walk Take Over After surviving Georgia’s rally, Oklahoma immediately answered. The Sooners scored in the seventh inning when Jaxon Willits delivered an RBI double to score Kyle Branch, extending the lead to 6–3. Then the Oklahoma power display resumed in the eighth. Harris crushed his second home run of the game, a two-run shot into the right-field stands. Shortly afterward, Walk launched his second solo homer of the night, pushing the advantage to 9–3. The back-to-back offensive blows effectively ended any hopes of a Georgia comeback. Both players entered the game with only four home runs on the season and produced the first multi-home run games of their careers on college baseball’s biggest stage. Gambill Leads 15-Hit Attack While Harris and Walk provided the power, Trey Gambill delivered one of the best all-around performances of the postseason. The designated hitter finished 4-for-5 with three RBIs, including a home run and a double. His four-hit performance marked the first four-hit game of his collegiate career. Brendan Brock added three hits, while Willits and Deiten Lachance each contributed two hits. Six different Sooners recorded multi-hit games as Oklahoma finished with 15 hits. The balanced production continued a postseason stretch in which Oklahoma averaged more than 10 runs per game. Oklahoma’s Historic Power Surge Continues The five-home-run performance further solidified Oklahoma’s status as the hottest offense in college baseball. The Sooners tied their season high with five home runs and increased their NCAA Tournament total to 26, establishing a new program postseason record. Oklahoma also became one of the most prolific power-hitting teams ever to play at Charles Schwab Field, where offense is often difficult to generate. During their eight-game winning streak, the Sooners averaged more than 10 runs per contest while defeating conference champions and national seeds throughout the postseason. Their path included victories over Georgia Tech, Kansas, Alabama, and Georgia. Branch Provides Final Highlight for Georgia Despite the loss, Georgia received a memorable moment from one of its program legends. Kolby Branch hit a solo home run in his final collegiate at-bat, giving him 20 home runs for the season and 56 for his career. The senior finished one of the most decorated careers in school history while helping lead Georgia to a school-record 53 wins. The Bulldogs also captured both the SEC regular-season championship and SEC Tournament title before reaching the College World Series. Championship Series Set With the victory, Oklahoma advanced to the College World Series Finals for the second time in five seasons. The Sooners earned a matchup against North Carolina in the best-of-three championship series beginning Saturday in Omaha. Oklahoma previously reached the finals in 2022 before finishing as national runner-up. North Carolina entered the series after defeating West Virginia earlier Wednesday to reach its first championship series since 2007. Final Takeaway Oklahoma’s 11–4 victory over Georgia showcased the formula that has fueled one of the nation’s most impressive postseason runs. The Sooners combined elite power hitting, timely pitching, and relentless offensive pressure to eliminate another national contender. Georgia produced another historic season and finished with a school-record 53 wins, but Oklahoma’s five-home-run explosion proved too much to overcome. With the win, the Sooners advanced to the College World Series championship series and moved within two victories of their first national championship since 1994.

OMAHA, Neb. — No. 5 North Carolina is headed to the College World Series championship series for the first time since 2007 after defeating No. 16 West Virginia 12–7 on Wednesday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field. The Tar Heels built an early 12–1 lead and withstood a late Mountaineer rally to secure their fifth consecutive victory and advance to the national title round. North Carolina improved to 53–12–1 on the season and advanced to the championship series for the third time in program history, joining the 2006 and 2007 squads. West Virginia’s historic season came to an end at 47–17, marking the deepest postseason run in program history. Tar Heels Strike Early North Carolina wasted little time establishing control. Jake Schaffner opened the game with a walk and stolen base before Owen Hull drove him home with an RBI double off the wall in right-center field. Hull later stole third and scored on a throwing error, giving the Tar Heels an immediate 2–0 lead. West Virginia responded in the bottom half of the inning when Matthew Graveline delivered an RBI single that scored Armani Guzman and trimmed the deficit to 2–1. That would be as close as the Mountaineers would get for much of the afternoon. North Carolina Explodes in Middle Innings The Tar Heels took complete control during the third and fourth innings. After Schaffner reached base again in the third, Hull singled and Gavin Gallaher delivered an RBI single to extend the lead. Erik Paulsen followed with a bloop single before Cooper Nicholson ripped a two-run double into the gap, pushing North Carolina’s advantage to 5–1. One inning later, Hull doubled home Carter French before Gallaher lined a two-run single through a drawn-in infield. By the end of the fourth inning, the Tar Heels led 8–1 and had seized full momentum. North Carolina’s offense continued producing throughout the afternoon, scoring in six different innings and repeatedly capitalizing on opportunities with runners in scoring position. Hull and Gallaher Lead the Offensive Charge The Tar Heels received dominant performances from the heart of their lineup. Hull finished 4-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, two RBIs, and three runs scored. The standout performance left him just a home run shy of hitting for the cycle. Gallaher was equally impressive, going 4-for-5 with four RBIs. His four-run performance tied one of the best offensive outputs by a Tar Heel player in College World Series history. Paulsen added three hits, while Schaffner scored three runs and reached base four times from the leadoff spot. As a team, North Carolina went 8-for-10 with runners in scoring position, showcasing remarkable efficiency in key moments. Rose Stabilizes the Pitching Staff After starter Folger Boaz exited early, freshman Jackson Rose delivered one of the most important outings of the season. Rose worked 4.1 scoreless innings in relief, allowing only two hits while helping keep West Virginia’s offense under control during the middle innings. His performance earned him the victory and allowed North Carolina to steadily build its lead. One of the biggest moments came in the sixth inning when West Virginia loaded the bases with one out. Head coach Scott Forbes turned to Matthew Matthijs, who immediately induced a double play on his first pitch to escape the jam without damage. That sequence preserved North Carolina’s commanding advantage. Tar Heels Build a 12–1 Lead North Carolina continued extending its lead in the sixth and seventh innings. Hull tripled in the sixth before Gallaher drove him home with an RBI single. Gallaher later scored on another hit from Paulsen to make it 10–1. In the seventh, Carter French doubled home Macon Winslow before Schaffner added an RBI single, stretching the lead to 12–1. At that point, the game appeared all but over. Mountaineers Refuse to Quit West Virginia showed tremendous resilience despite facing an 11-run deficit. The Mountaineers erupted for five runs in the seventh inning, beginning with Gavin Kelly’s RBI triple. Seven consecutive hitters reached base as Sean Smith, Paul Schoenfeld, Graveline, and Matt Ineich all contributed offensively during the rally. The surge cut the deficit to 12–6 and forced North Carolina to turn to freshman reliever Caden Glauber. Kelly later added a solo home run in the eighth inning, his 19th of the season, tying the West Virginia single-season program record previously held by Jedd Gyorko and Mark Landers. Despite the late push, the Mountaineers could not complete the comeback. Glauber Closes Out Another Victory Glauber once again proved invaluable for North Carolina. The freshman struck out three batters over 2.1 innings and limited the damage after entering during West Virginia’s seventh-inning rally. The outing improved the Tar Heels to a remarkable 28–0 this season when Glauber appears. His ability to stabilize the game ensured North Carolina maintained control despite the Mountaineers’ late offensive burst. Historic Season Ends for West Virginia Although the loss ended West Virginia’s season, the Mountaineers completed the greatest year in program history. The team became the first in school history to reach Omaha and finished among the final four teams in the nation. Graveline finished 4-for-4 with two RBIs, while Kelly went 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Head coach Steve Sabins praised the team afterward, calling it the best season in the program’s 135-year history. Championship Series Awaits The victory sent North Carolina to the College World Series Finals for the first time in 19 years. The Tar Heels became the first UNC team since 2006 to begin the College World Series with a 3–0 record and improved to 8–1 overall in the NCAA Tournament. They advanced to face Oklahoma in the best-of-three national championship series. Final Takeaway North Carolina’s 12–7 victory over West Virginia was defined by an explosive offense, timely relief pitching, and relentless execution with runners in scoring position. The Tar Heels built a massive early lead behind standout performances from Owen Hull and Gavin Gallaher and then weathered a late Mountaineer rally. West Virginia fought until the final out and concluded the greatest season in program history, but North Carolina’s offensive firepower proved too much to overcome. With the win, the Tar Heels advanced to the College World Series championship series and moved within two victories of a national title.

OMAHA, Neb. — No. 3 Georgia continued its march through the Men’s College World Series Tuesday night, defeating No. 6 Texas 2–0 in a tense pitching duel at Charles Schwab Field. The Bulldogs received a combined four-hit shutout from Dylan Vigue and Justin Byrd to advance to the College World Series semifinals while ending the Longhorns’ season. With the victory, Georgia improved to 53–13 and set a new program record for wins in a season. Texas concluded its year at 46–15 after making its 39th Men’s College World Series appearance. Pitchers Control the Early Innings The game quickly developed into one of the best pitching matchups of the College World Series. Georgia starter Dylan Vigue dominated from the opening pitch, striking out eight batters across four scoreless innings. The junior right-hander allowed only two hits and repeatedly overpowered the Texas lineup before exiting after a leadoff walk in the fifth inning. Texas countered with graduate left-hander Luke Harrison, who delivered arguably the finest performance of his collegiate career. Harrison struck out 11 batters over 5.2 innings while carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning. He fanned eight of the first 10 hitters he faced and reached double digits in strikeouts before Georgia finally broke through offensively. For four innings, neither team recorded a run as both starters controlled the contest. Tre Phelps Breaks the Deadlock The breakthrough finally arrived in the fifth inning. Georgia senior Brennan Hudson opened the inning with a walk and advanced into scoring position following the first sacrifice bunt of Kolby Branch’s collegiate career. After a groundout moved Hudson to third, senior Tre Phelps lined a two-out RBI double into the gap. The hit scored Hudson and gave Georgia a 1–0 lead. It also represented the Bulldogs’ first hit of the game after Harrison had carried a no-hit bid deep into the contest. Phelps finished with two hits and drove in the game-winning run. Byrd Takes Over in Relief Following Vigue’s departure, Georgia turned to one of its most reliable relievers. Justin Byrd entered with a one-run lead and immediately preserved the advantage. The junior right-hander delivered five scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and striking out four batters. Byrd consistently attacked the strike zone and forced Texas hitters into early-count contact. His outing earned him the victory and completed one of the most impressive relief performances of the College World Series. The Longhorns never advanced a runner beyond second base against the Georgia bullpen. Bulldogs Add Insurance in the Seventh Georgia manufactured an important insurance run in the seventh inning. Ryan Black singled and later advanced into scoring position before a shallow fly ball created a unique scoring opportunity. Shortstop Adrian Rodriguez made the catch but collided with left fielder Anthony Pack Jr., allowing Black to score on Rylan Lujo’s sacrifice fly. The run extended Georgia’s lead to 2–0 and provided valuable breathing room in a game where every run mattered. Although the Bulldogs generated only a handful of hits, they maximized their opportunities against one of the nation’s best pitching staffs. Harrison and Cozart Keep Texas Close Despite the loss, Texas received outstanding pitching throughout the game. Harrison’s 11 strikeouts established a career high and pushed him over the 100-strikeout mark for the season. His performance helped Texas become the first program since 1988 to feature three pitchers with at least 100 strikeouts in a season. Freshman sensation Sam Cozart also excelled in relief. The National Freshman Pitcher of the Year worked 3.1 innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out six batters. Cozart finished his remarkable freshman season with a 1.72 ERA and once again demonstrated why he became one of college baseball’s premier young arms. Unfortunately for Texas, the offense could not provide support. Longhorn Offense Held in Check Texas entered Omaha with one of the nation’s most productive lineups but struggled to solve Georgia’s pitching combination. The Longhorns managed only four singles throughout the game. Aiden Robbins, Carson Tinney, Adrian Rodriguez, and Casey Borba each recorded one hit, but Texas never generated sustained offensive pressure. Georgia became only the second team all season to shut out the Longhorns. Vigue and Byrd combined for 12 strikeouts and consistently neutralized scoring opportunities. The inability to capitalize offensively ultimately proved decisive. Georgia Makes Program History The victory carried significant historical importance for the Bulldogs. Georgia set a new school record with its 53rd victory and recorded its first College World Series shutout since the 1990 national championship season. The Bulldogs also notched their seventh shutout of the year and improved to 32 games allowing three runs or fewer. Head coach Wes Johnson praised both Vigue and Byrd for executing the game plan and thriving under difficult hitting conditions created by the wind inside Charles Schwab Field. Texas Season Ends in Omaha Although the loss ended Texas’ championship pursuit, the Longhorns completed one of the strongest seasons in the country. Texas finished 46–15, advanced to Omaha for the 39th time, and ended the year tied for fifth nationally. The Longhorns captured another deep postseason run and showcased one of the nation’s top pitching staffs throughout the season. Their season concluded one win short of reaching the College World Series semifinals. Final Takeaway Georgia’s 2–0 victory over Texas was defined by elite pitching, timely execution, and defensive discipline. In a game where offense was difficult to find, Tre Phelps delivered the decisive hit while Dylan Vigue and Justin Byrd combined to shut down one of the nation’s most dangerous lineups.  Texas received exceptional pitching performances from Luke Harrison and Sam Cozart but could not generate enough offense to extend its season. With the victory, Georgia advanced to the College World Series semifinals and remained firmly in the hunt for a national championship.

OMAHA, Neb. — No. 16 national seed West Virginia kept its season alive Tuesday afternoon with a commanding 12–0 victory over Troy in a College World Series elimination game at Charles Schwab Field. Behind a combined four-hit shutout and an explosive offensive performance, the Mountaineers advanced while bringing an end to Troy’s historic postseason run. West Virginia improved to 47–16 on the season and moved on to face North Carolina in another elimination contest. Troy finished its remarkable campaign at 39–32 after becoming just the third Sun Belt Conference program ever to reach the College World Series. Pitching Staff Silences Troy’s Explosive Offense One of the most impressive aspects of West Virginia’s victory was its ability to shut down one of the hottest offenses in the NCAA Tournament. Entering the game, Troy had scored 91 runs during postseason play and was averaging more than 10 runs per game. The Mountaineers completely neutralized that production. Junior starter Dawson Montesa led the effort, throwing 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and striking out six batters. He consistently worked out of traffic and prevented Troy from building any offensive momentum. West Virginia’s bullpen continued the dominance. Ben McDougal, Reese Bassinger, and Carson Estridge combined to finish the four-hit shutout. Bassinger delivered one of the game's biggest performances, striking out five batters across two hitless innings and escaping a bases-loaded threat in the seventh inning. Mountaineers Break Through in the Third After two scoreless innings, West Virginia finally cracked the scoreboard in the third. Senior Matthew Graveline lined an RBI double into the gap to drive home the game’s first run. Moments later, a wild pitch allowed Graveline to score and extend the lead to 2–0. Although the advantage was modest, West Virginia’s pitching staff ensured it felt much larger. Troy starter Cooper Ellingworth battled through several early jams and struck out four batters over three innings, but the Mountaineers eventually capitalized on their opportunities. Kelly’s Home Run Opens the Floodgates The game’s turning point came during the sixth inning. With two outs and two runners aboard, Gavin Kelly stepped to the plate and launched a three-run home run, his 18th homer of the season. The blast extended West Virginia’s lead to 5–0 and completely shifted momentum toward the Mountaineers. Kelly’s homer highlighted a four-run inning that effectively put the game out of reach. Sean Smith later added an RBI single in the frame as West Virginia built a commanding six-run advantage. Kelly finished the afternoon with three hits and four RBIs, delivering one of the most impactful performances of the College World Series. Mountaineers Continue to Add On West Virginia refused to let up offensively. Ben Lumsden delivered an RBI single in the seventh inning to make it 7–0. The Mountaineers then erupted again in the ninth, scoring five additional runs to complete the rout. Brodie Kresser drove in a run with a sacrifice fly before Armani Guzman lined a two-run double. Kelly followed with another RBI single, and Paul Schoenfeld capped the scoring with a run-producing groundout. The late surge pushed the final margin to 12–0 and highlighted the depth of West Virginia’s lineup. Guzman Impacts the Game in Multiple Ways Armani Guzman once again played a critical role for the Mountaineers. The junior reached base four times, scored twice, drove in two runs, and stole three bases. His aggressive baserunning helped West Virginia establish pressure throughout the game. As a team, the Mountaineers stole seven bases, matching a College World Series single-game record. Matt Ineich also reached base four times and scored two runs as West Virginia consistently created opportunities on the bases. Troy’s Historic Run Comes to an End Although the season ended in disappointment, Troy completed one of the greatest years in program history. The Trojans went 7–3 during NCAA Tournament play after losing their regional opener. They rallied to win the Gainesville Regional, swept Little Rock in the program’s first-ever Super Regional appearance, and recorded their first College World Series victory by defeating Ole Miss earlier in Omaha. Several players added to their impressive individual accomplishments despite the loss. Jimmy Janicki recorded his 26th double of the season and finished the year among Troy’s all-time single-season leaders in RBIs, total bases, hits, and home runs. Steven Meier set the school’s career hit-by-pitch record, while Blake Cavill finished among the program’s all-time leaders in walks. West Virginia Advances The victory allowed West Virginia to continue one of the most successful seasons in school history. The Mountaineers improved to 47 wins and remained alive in Omaha, advancing to face North Carolina with a chance to force another meeting against the Tar Heels for a spot in the national championship series. After suffering a loss to North Carolina earlier in the tournament, West Virginia demonstrated resilience and responded with one of its most complete performances of the season. Final Takeaway West Virginia’s 12–0 victory over Troy was defined by dominant pitching, aggressive baserunning, and timely power hitting. The Mountaineers shut down one of the nation’s most productive offenses and received standout performances from Dawson Montesa, Gavin Kelly, and Armani Guzman.  Troy’s remarkable postseason run came to an end, but the Trojans leave Omaha after achieving several historic milestones for the program. With the win, West Virginia stayed alive in the College World Series and continued its pursuit of a national championship.

OMAHA, Neb. — Facing elimination at the Men’s College World Series, No. 6 Texas delivered one of the greatest offensive performances in program history Monday afternoon, defeating No. 7 Alabama 14–2 at Charles Schwab Field. Sophomore shortstop Adrian Rodriguez hit for the cycle and tied College World Series records with seven RBIs and 12 total bases, helping the Longhorns keep their national championship hopes alive. The victory improved Texas to 46–14 and advanced the Longhorns to another elimination game against Georgia. Alabama fell to 42–21 and saw its season come to an end after reaching Omaha for the first time since 1999. Rodriguez Makes College World Series History The afternoon belonged to Adrian Rodriguez.  The Texas shortstop became just the third player in Men’s College World Series history to hit for the cycle, joining Minnesota’s Jerry Kindall (1956) and Tennessee’s Christian Moore (2024). Rodriguez finished a perfect 5-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, a home run, seven RBIs, and 12 total bases. Rodriguez began his historic day with a two-run double in the first inning. He followed with a two-run triple in the second, added a single in the fifth, and completed the cycle with a towering two-run homer in the sixth inning. He later added another RBI double in the eighth to cap one of the most dominant individual performances ever seen in Omaha. Longhorns Jump on Alabama Early Texas wasted little time taking control of the elimination game. Rodriguez’s two-run double highlighted a three-run first inning that immediately put pressure on Alabama starter Zane Adams. Ethan Mendoza added an RBI hit during the rally as the Longhorns built an early advantage. Texas continued its offensive surge in the second inning. Mendoza delivered another run-scoring hit before Rodriguez lined a two-run triple, extending the lead to 7–0 and effectively ending Adams’ afternoon after only 1.2 innings. The Longhorns’ relentless approach prevented Alabama from ever recovering. Riojas Delivers Strong Start While the offense generated headlines, Texas also received an excellent performance from starting pitcher Ruger Riojas. The senior right-hander worked six innings, allowing two runs while striking out seven batters. Riojas retired the final eight hitters he faced and consistently limited Alabama’s opportunities to generate momentum. The outing came at a critical moment for Texas, which needed stability on the mound after its opening-round loss to Georgia. Riojas provided exactly that, keeping the Crimson Tide offense quiet while the Longhorn lineup continued piling up runs. Pack Adds Power to the Attack Freshman outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. also delivered a memorable performance. Pack collected three hits and drove in four runs, highlighted by a two-run home run during Texas’ four-run sixth inning. The blast marked his 12th homer of the season and made him the first Texas freshman to hit a home run in Omaha since 2002. Combined with Rodriguez’s historic day, Pack helped fuel one of the highest-scoring games Texas has produced at the College World Series in decades. The Longhorns scored eight runs with two outs and consistently capitalized on scoring opportunities throughout the game. Alabama Unable to Recover The Crimson Tide struggled to recover after Texas’ explosive start. Starter Zane Adams allowed seven runs and seven hits while recording only five outs. Alabama’s pitching staff never found a way to slow the Longhorn offense, which produced 14 runs and multiple extra-base hits throughout the afternoon. The Tide managed only two runs against Riojas and never seriously threatened after falling behind early. Despite a strong postseason run that included a trip to Omaha, Alabama’s season ended against one of the most explosive offensive performances in College World Series history. Mendoza Continues Strong Postseason Texas received contributions throughout the lineup. Mendoza recorded three hits and drove in runs during each of the first two innings. His production helped establish momentum before Rodriguez’s historic performance took center stage. The Longhorn offense generated pressure from top to bottom, producing its highest-scoring College World Series game since 1992. Nearly every hitter contributed during a dominant offensive display. Texas Advances to Another Elimination Game The victory allowed Texas to survive and continue its pursuit of a national championship. After opening the College World Series with a loss to Georgia, the Longhorns responded with urgency and resilience. The win improved Texas’ all-time Men’s College World Series record to 89–66 and kept alive hopes of making a deep run through the elimination bracket. Texas advanced to face Georgia in a rematch with a chance to avenge its opening-round defeat. Historic Afternoon in Omaha Rodriguez’s cycle immediately entered the record books as one of the most memorable performances in College World Series history. His seven RBIs tied a Men’s College World Series single-game record, while his 12 total bases also matched the event record. Combined with Texas’ 14-run output, the performance became one of the defining moments of the 2026 tournament. Final Takeaway Texas’ 14–2 victory over Alabama was defined by historic offensive production, dominant pitching, and a record-setting performance from Adrian Rodriguez. The Longhorns responded to elimination pressure with one of the greatest games in program history and overwhelmed the Crimson Tide from the opening inning. Alabama’s season came to an end after reaching the College World Series, while Texas earned another opportunity to continue its postseason journey. With the win, the Longhorns advanced in Omaha and kept their national championship hopes alive.

OMAHA, Neb. — Troy continued its remarkable postseason run Sunday afternoon, overcoming a four-run deficit to defeat Ole Miss 12–8 in a College World Series elimination game at Charles Schwab Field. The Trojans scored seven unanswered runs over the final three innings and used a dominant bullpen performance to eliminate the Rebels and advance in Omaha. The victory improved Troy to 39–31 and kept the Trojans alive in the College World Series. Ole Miss finished its season at 41–23 after making its seventh College World Series appearance and third under head coach Mike Bianco. Rebels Build Early Lead Ole Miss came out aggressively and appeared poised to extend its season. The Rebels struck first in the opening inning when Dom Decker reached on a two-base error and later scored on an RBI single by Judd Utermark. Hayden Federico followed with a run-scoring double to give Ole Miss an early 2–0 advantage. Troy answered in the second inning when Sean Darnell blasted a two-run home run to right-center field, tying the game at 2–2. The Rebels quickly regained control in the bottom half of the inning. Austin Fawley singled before Brayden Randle launched a two-run home run, restoring a 4–2 lead. Ole Miss extended the advantage again in the fourth inning when Collin Reuter crushed a two-run homer to right field, pushing the score to 6–2. At that point, the Rebels appeared firmly in command. Troy Begins the Comeback The Trojans refused to go away. In the fifth inning, Josh Pyne and Jimmy Janicki reached base before Drew Nelson drew a two-out walk to load the bases. A balk by Ole Miss starter Hunter Elliott brought home one run, and Darnell followed with a two-run single through the left side to cut the deficit to 6–5. The rally ended Elliott’s afternoon after 4.2 innings. Despite striking out nine batters, the Ole Miss ace could not hold off Troy’s offensive momentum. Janicki Ignites the Seventh-Inning Surge The game completely changed in the seventh inning. Janicki opened the frame by launching a solo home run that tied the score at 6–6. The blast was his 21st home run of the season and his second homer in Omaha. After Nelson reached base and Darnell drew a walk, Jabe Boroff delivered the biggest hit of the game. The Troy slugger ripped a two-run double down the left-field line, giving the Trojans their first lead at 8–6. Houston Markham followed with an RBI single to extend the advantage to 9–6. In just one inning, Troy had erased a four-run deficit and seized control of the elimination game. Trojans Add Insurance Troy continued to apply pressure in the eighth inning. Blake Cavill launched a solo home run to left field before Nelson walked and Darnell singled. A dropped popup later allowed two additional runs to score, extending the Trojans’ lead to 12–7. The five-run cushion proved more than enough for Troy’s bullpen. Ole Miss managed only one more run when Will Furniss hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth, but the Rebels could not mount another rally. Darnell Leads Offensive Attack Sean Darnell delivered one of the best performances of his career. The senior second baseman finished 3-for-3 with a home run, four RBIs, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch. He reached base five times and was directly responsible for much of Troy’s comeback. Boroff added two critical RBIs with his go-ahead double, while Janicki’s game-tying homer shifted momentum entirely in Troy’s favor. The Trojans finished with 12 runs after trailing by four runs midway through the game. Thigpen Shuts Down the Rebels While the offense grabbed headlines, Troy received an outstanding relief effort from Noah Thigpen. The sophomore right-hander entered in the fourth inning and delivered five innings of relief, allowing only two runs while striking out five batters. The appearance was the longest relief outing of his collegiate career and helped stabilize the game after Ole Miss built an early lead. Zach Crotchfelt recorded the final outs, striking out two batters to seal the victory. Ole Miss Season Comes to an End Despite the loss, Ole Miss received several strong offensive performances. The bottom third of the lineup carried much of the production. Fawley, Randle, and Reuter combined for six hits, two home runs, and five RBIs. Federico also recorded two hits and drove in a run. However, the Rebels were unable to protect their four-run lead, and Troy’s late offensive explosion proved decisive. Head coach Mike Bianco praised his team’s accomplishments despite the disappointing ending, noting the challenges of reaching Omaha and competing on college baseball’s biggest stage. Troy Continues Historic Run The victory marked another milestone in one of the most remarkable postseason runs in program history. The Trojans improved to 5–0 in elimination games during the NCAA Tournament and continued a postseason journey that included victories over several power-conference opponents. Troy became one of the final teams remaining in Omaha and continued to demonstrate resilience under pressure. Final Takeaway Troy’s 12–8 victory over Ole Miss showcased resilience, timely hitting, and outstanding bullpen work. Trailing 6–2 midway through the game, the Trojans responded with seven unanswered runs and dominated the final innings to secure the win. Ole Miss built an early lead behind home runs from Brayden Randle and Collin Reuter but could not contain Troy’s relentless offense. With the victory, Troy advanced in the College World Series, while Ole Miss concluded another successful season in Omaha.